The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has arranged 12 members to commit to acquiring C-17 airlifters, marking the first major weapon systems purchase for the alliance in 30 years.

NATO hopes to take delivery of its first C-17 in March. That aircraft is being provided by the United States as part of its participation in the strategic airlift initiative aimed at fixing chronic shortfalls for cargo hauling for the alliance. NATO, for now, is depending heavily on U.S. lift and chartered Antonov An-124 airlifters to support forces operating in Afghanistan.

Two more C-17s will be bought directly by the alliance from Boeing - and likely U.K. maintenance will go through the U.S. contract. Delivery of the two NATO-bought airlifters should follow around three and six months respectively from the first aircraft.

NATO will base the aircraft at Papa air base in Hungary.

The 12 participants so far are: Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United States. The Czech Republic is still debating the issue, but chances are seen as slim they will commit. Italy has asked for an extension to sign-up until December.

NATO's last major aircraft purchase were the E-3 Awacs.

Photo: USAF